Former Judas Priest Guitarist K.K. Downing Announces Memoir

Former Judas Priest guitarist K.K. Downing has confirmed the publication of his official memoir.

Heavy Duty: Days and Nights in Judas Priest was co-written with Mark Eglinton and promises to lift the lid on Downing’s experiences with the British metal icons. The 320-page book is due to arrive on Sept. 20.

“As the band approaches its golden anniversary, fans will at last be able to delve backstage into the decades of shocking, hilarious, and haunting stories that surround the heavy metal institution,” the book’s synopsis reads. “Guitarist K.K. Downing discusses the complex personality conflicts, the business screw-ups, the acrimonious relationship with fellow heavy metal band Iron Maiden, as well as how Judas Priest found itself at the epicenter of a storm of parental outrage that targeted heavy metal in the '80s.

“He also describes his role in cementing the band's trademark black leather and studs image that would not only become synonymous with the entire genre, but would also give singer Rob Halford a viable outlet by which to express his sexuality. Lastly, he recounts the life-changing moment when he looked at his bandmates onstage during a 2010 concert and thought, 'This is the last show.' Whatever the topic, whoever's involved, K.K. doesn't hold back.”

Noting that Downing remains on Judas Priest’s “board of directors,” book's description points out that the guitarist "has seen it all and is now finally at a place in his life where he can also let it all go. Even if you're a lifelong fan, if you think you know the full story of Judas Priest, well, you've got another thing coming.”

Downing confirmed his departure from the band in 2011 and was replaced by Ritchie Faulkner, who’s since appeared on the band’s 2014 album Redeemer of Souls and the upcoming Firepower. In 2015, Downing said he couldn't imagine returning under any circumstances.